Who we are
Learn about the committee. Meet the team. Discover our Ofsted report.
A rural school in the heart of Dorset,
shaping young minds for over two decades.
Little Acorns is a committee run, preschool in a small rural setting. It has been running in Evershot village hall for over 20 years. The committee is a group of volunteers and family members of the pre-school children, either current or past, dedicated to supporting the school. They meet once or twice a term, and carry out fundraising and decision making to improve and grow Little Acorns.
Our children love to get out and about. They can choose to play indoors or out, and we have wellies and waterproofs available for all children to ensure that they are warm and dry in their play. We have a large, private garden where they can play, and have a free flow water system unless the weather is very poor.
We go out into the village regularly, visiting the school, the shop, the church, the post box and the beautiful deer park which is right on our doorstep. We are passionate about books and story telling so we try to make good use of our story area both inside and out. We encourage the children to be creative and curious. They enjoy their freedom to explore their space and natural environment.
We offer regular Forest school sessions with Stickland’s School, These are currently taking place on Wednesday afternoons. Little Acorns is what is known as a ‘pack away’ setting. This means we sometimes need to clear the hall completely for a party, or for a band to play at the weekend.
Our Team
Jenny George
I am the settings Supervisor, SENCO, DSL and Health and Safety Officer. I fell in love with Little Acorns as soon as we visited in 2013, it was a vast change from the mainstream preschool of 32 children per session that we left behind in Worcestershire. I am a mother of three beautiful boys who all attended and loved Little Acorns, and who still talk fondly of their memories at the setting. I joined the committee as a member to offer help and be a part of my children's learning.
I loved going into the setting and interacting with the staff and children, and really wanted to be a part of it. I became secretary for the committee for a year, followed by becoming a volunteer, gaining a Level 2 Early Years qualification.
In 2018, I become a staff member, and achieved my Level 3 qualification in early years and childcare to extend my knowledge for working with pre-schoolers. IN 2023 I qualified as a Level 3 SENCO and took over the role of the setting Supervisor. My passion is to ensure every child leaves us confident, ready to start to school. We have an excellent relationship with Sticklands school which involves a fantastic transition programme.
Laura Button
I am the settings Deputy, Deputy DSL and Deputy SENCO. My qualification is a BA Hons in Early Years and Education and have many years experience working in early years. I am currently working on enhancing our song bags and story bags. I have created many unique and specialised props, to support the stories, using my love of crochet. These are available for parents to borrow, and help to engage their child in reading and storytelling.
I have been introducing short yoga stories with the children on a variety of relevant topics. These have included religious beliefs, seasons, celebrations and Christmas. I also like to do Storycises with the children, these are actions and exercises that fit in with a story, and are great for the children’s core strength and listening skills. It is a fun activity that is carried on at Sticklands school, where most of the children transition to when they leave us.
I have completed a Level 2 qualification in Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was diagnosed with a hearing impairment 14 years ago, and at that point took the decision to learn sign language. I have started teaching the children new signs to expand their skill set and understanding.
Jeannie Creed
I am a Level 2 Assistant at Little Acorns, and have been with the setting for nearly 20 years. I really enjoy teaching the children some basic cookery and love being creative. I am passionate that children are getting the most out of learning whilst having fun and making new friends.
We are very lucky to have a large garden to play in and having the opportunity to grow our own fruit and vegetables with the children, I do like getting back to nature and maybe a little muddy too. I helped to run the after school club known as Funkey Monkeys for a few years when my own children attended but they are now all grown up and I await my grandchildren.
Astrid Walden
Before having children I was an archeologist, working all over the country and abroad, so I’m no stranger to playing in the mud!
I now have two beautiful girls, the youngest came to Little Acorns and I was impressed by the warm and nurturing environment. Prior to coming to Little Acorns myself I helped out at a local forest school and was a Teaching Assistant at a nearby primary school.
I have a Level 2 qualification in Early Years and I am proud to work in a fabulous team of hardworking and dedicated staff.
I love being part of the children’s journeys as they grow and flourish in readiness for their next adventure.
I hope to nurture a love of books and reading and also being outside connecting with nature.
Julia Dodds
I am the settings Deputy DSL. It is so wonderful to be back at Little Acorns, not as a parent this time or a committee member but a member of staff! If I am not at Little Acorns then I can be found as a Teaching Assistant at Sticklands School, Evershot. Previously I worked as a Nursery Assistant, a Teaching Assistant at a Primary and at a Secondary School. I helped to set up Fizzy Boppers, a children dance group, specialising in music and dance for 0-5 year old’s. I have a Level 2 qualification in Supporting Teaching & Learning and have attended many courses to help improve my role. I have 2 beautiful teenage daughters and a fabulous 5-year-old son. Little Acorns has held a special place in my heart since my son attended 2 years ago. I was so impressed with the care and attention they gave him and how well they got to know his personality, likes and dislikes, he still talks fondly about his experience, he is so pleased I am working there now. At Little Acorns, the child led environment is one of discovery, inventiveness, adventure and creativity. Your child will come home with paint on their trousers, mud under their fingernails and a massive smile on their face. I really enjoy role play, puzzles, singing and dancing. I will always work hard to make sure that your child is happy, looked after and cuddled when needed.
Our staff
All our staff are subject to full DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks to confirm their suitability to work with children. We employ carefully screened, qualified and experienced staff, who understand the needs of young children. Staff are all fully qualified paediatric first aiders, trained to deal with those inevitable bumps and tumbles. We regularly attend courses to extend and update our skills and knowledge. We currently employ five members of staff and have two bank staff members.
The Supervisor - Level 3, Deputy Supervisor an experienced BA Hons, two level 2 practitioners with another staff member currently starting their Level 3 qualification. Little Acorns Pre-School is fully insured and a copy of the relevant certificate can be inspected at any time on our notice board.
All of the committee members are DBS checked and are committed to supporting the pre-school.
Ofsted
Our latest inspection was carried out in June 2024 - we achieved an 'Outstanding' grade. View the full report here.
The inspector highlighted the following points:
“Leaders and staff meticulously plan a rich and challenging environment for children. They support children to consistently build on their knowledge and understanding of new concepts and ideas.”
“Leaders implement effective strategies to support children, helping to close gaps in learning. Staff make referrals promptly and provide exemplary support to all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”
“Children love exploring outside and have access to the garden daily. Staff take children on trips to various places around their community, such as walks around the local deer parks. Children develop their awareness of the world around them. They attend forest school each week and share this with children from the local school. Staff notice progression, particularly in children's social skills, as children engage and form relationships with the older children.”
“Transitions are a key strength for this pre-school. Leaders place huge focus on ensuring that these are seamless for all children at various stages of their learning.”
“Parents praise the dedication and support they receive from the pre-school team. They value the team's commitment to their children's well-being and their 'collaborative ethos'.”
Details.
Little Acorns is a registered charity 1099880. We are registered with OFSTED EY281575.